Dr. Charlie Easmon Resumes Plans for Castlehill Church Renovation

Plans to transform the historic Castlehill Church into a community hub and residence are set to continue, following a temporary pause by owner Dr. Charlie Easmon. Since purchasing the property in 2021, Dr. Easmon has invested in initial renovations but has now put the project on hold to reassess the property’s valuation. He noted, “The church needs to be revalued as the figure may have changed since the last one four years ago.”

Built in 1870, the church was historically significant as a place of worship until its closure in the 1990s. Following its closure, the building served as a community hall until 2005. The property has changed hands several times, including a failed attempt by Irishman Aaron Hill to renovate it due to health issues, and a subsequent purchase by Welsh health practitioner Claire Love in 2010, who also aimed to develop it into a community centre. Unfortunately, her plans fell through, and the church was listed for sale in 2013 for £180,000.

The church has been in poor condition, suffering from pigeon infestations and structural damage, particularly to its west wall. Dr. Easmon undertook significant efforts to secure the site before beginning renovations. “The church spire was rocking at one point and threatening to cause an ‘Omen’-style situation, so I spent a few thousand on making that safe,” he explained. He has since focused on repairing the roof and central structure, with assistance from local contractors and aerial footage provided by Drone Scotland to assess damage.

Future Plans for Castlehill Church

Despite the current hold on the project, Dr. Easmon remains optimistic about the future. He plans to convert the lower level of the church into a living space, featuring two bedrooms, a lounge, and a kitchen. The upper level will host a large community space available for hire, along with a separate bathroom area. “Stage one of the internal renovations will be carried out by local tradesman Ian Mackenzie,” he stated, highlighting the importance of local engagement in the project.

Dr. Easmon also aims to improve the church’s exterior, stating, “The perimeter of the church is to be cleared of the greenery that is eating into the foundations.” He intends to complete these tasks before the end of the year, contingent on securing the necessary funding and approvals.

“I’m very much looking forward to living in Forres and becoming part of the community,” he added. The church’s renovation ties into broader community developments, including new businesses and restoration efforts in the Forres area. Dr. Easmon expressed hope that funding from the Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme could support his plans for Castlehill Church.

As the project moves forward, the community eagerly anticipates the transformation of this historic building into a vibrant space that serves both as a home and a gathering point for local residents.